Detox, an essential step before pregnancy?

If magazine covers are to be believed, the detox cure has become THE trendy reflex before pregnancy. But between the recommendations of naturopaths and what science really says, it’s hard to know what to believe. So, we are separating fact from marketing: what does your body actually do to eliminate unwanted substances, what do we know about our exposure to pollutants before pregnancy, and what is really worth implementing? We’re here to help you get the facts straight.

The central role of the liver in natural elimination

The liver performs a multitude of vital functions: blood sugar control, fat storage, and blood filtration. It sorts everything that reaches it (food, waste produced by the body, substances we ingest) and participates in the elimination of what the organism does not need, whether related to tobacco, certain medications, or hormonal contraception.

This is an important point to understand: a healthy liver does this work continuously, without needing to be "triggered." After stopping hormonal contraception, for example, the body naturally eliminates synthetic hormones via the liver in a few days; no specific cure is needed for that.^[1] What can take longer (sometimes several weeks to a few months) is not this elimination, but the time it takes for your natural hormonal system (the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis) to "wake up" and regain its own rhythm after years of being on standby.

What do we know about our exposure to pollutants before pregnancy?

For several years, biomonitoring studies on our exposure to everyday pollutants have been multiplying. A landmark 2005 study, conducted by the Environmental Working Group, detected 287 chemical substances in the umbilical cord blood of 10 American newborns—including 180 associated with cancer, 217 with neurotoxicity, and 208 with developmental malformations or abnormalities in animals.^[2] This study is based on a small sample and is 20 years old, but the underlying idea it brought to light is confirmed by much more robust and recent studies conducted in France.

In the Elfe study (Santé publique France, 4,145 pregnant women who gave birth in 2011), the organic pollutants sought (bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, PCBs, perfluorinated compounds) were detected in almost all the women in the sample, as were most of the metals and metalloids tested. Diet is identified as the main source of exposure. Some historically regulated substances (PCBs, certain flame retardants) have shown declining levels since, a measurable effect of successive bans, but this is not the case for all families of pollutants. The Esteban study, which specifically measured PFAS ("forever chemicals") in 744 adults and 249 children, found PFOA and PFOS in 100% of participants.^[3]

In short: exposure is real, documented in France including among pregnant women, and not uniform across families of substances. This is precisely why supporting the body's natural elimination functions, rather than giving in to panic, makes sense.

How to concretely support your body's elimination functions

Since the liver already does this work naturally, the goal is not to "force" it but to make its job easier and limit what you ask it to process. Here are the levers that have the most impact on a daily basis:

• Reduce the intake of substances to be processed: alcohol, tobacco, ultra-processed food, and excess sugar are the main burdens the liver must manage continuously.
• Focus on fiber: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes promote regular digestion, which is one of the body's main elimination pathways.
• Hydrate sufficiently: water supports the work of the kidneys, the body's second major filter.
• Move regularly: physical activity stimulates circulation and digestion, and promotes elimination through sweat.
• Sleep enough: a large part of the body's repair and metabolic regulation processes occur during sleep.
• Limit avoidable sources of endocrine disruptors: heated plastic containers, cosmetics, and non-natural household products, as much as possible.

This is exactly what naturopath Aurélie Canzoneri details step-by-step in our article Detox: How to do it. And if you want to dig deeper into the specific link between the liver and fertility, our interview with Marie-Liesse Goutte on Pamper your liver answers your questions.

What about plants traditionally used for "detox"?

Certain plants have long been used to support the body's elimination functions, and their traditional uses are now documented by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in its monographs on medicinal plants:

• milk thistle, traditionally used to support liver function;^[4]
• dandelion, traditionally used to promote urinary elimination and digestive comfort;
• turmeric, traditionally used to support digestion.^[5]

It is precisely on this basis that we formulated our Detox supplement, which combines milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric, and desmodium. This is a plant-based supplement intended as occasional support for 1 to 2 months—for example, before starting prenatal vitamins or after stopping contraception—and not as a solution that would replace the daily habits mentioned above, which remain the foundation. As with any herbal supplement, it is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is best to ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you are currently taking any medication.

How long before pregnancy should you start?

There is no "official" scientifically validated duration for such preparation. Natural health practitioners generally recommend starting 2 to 3 months before trying to conceive, but this mainly depends on your general state of health. The simplest thing is to discuss it with your doctor or midwife beforehand, who can evaluate any potential deficiencies or specific needs with you.

However, one point is clear: strict "detox" dietary restrictions are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In summary

Question	Key takeaway
Is pollutant exposure real?	Yes, documented in France among pregnant women (Elfe study, Santé publique France)
Does the liver need help?	A healthy liver does its work naturally; you can focus on limiting what you ask it to process
Which actions have the most impact?	Fiber, hydration, physical activity, sleep, reducing alcohol and ultra-processed foods
When should you start preparing?	2–3 months before; adjust with your doctor or midwife
Can you do a detox while pregnant?	No, not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding

FAQ

Does the liver really need to be "detoxed"?

No, not in the strict sense: a healthy liver already continuously eliminates waste and unwanted substances. The goal is rather to limit what you ask it to process and support its functioning with good habits.

Are we really exposed to pollutants on a daily basis?

Yes. A French study conducted by Santé publique France on more than 4,000 pregnant women detected almost all the organic pollutants sought in almost all participants.

How long does it take to eliminate contraceptives after stopping them?

The body eliminates them naturally within a few days depending on the type of contraception.

Can you do a detox during pregnancy?

No, it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, whether through strict dietary restriction or a plant-based supplement.

When should you start preparing your body before pregnancy?

There is no strict rule, but 2 to 3 months before is often recommended; adjust according to your situation with a healthcare professional.